Sonny Marvello - Stereo, Glasgow

Photo © Dave Taylor

Sonny Marvello came on stage bathed in pale blue light just after 10pm. For the next 50 minutes they delivered a set with style, passion, panache and soul.

The opening song 'Cry Yourself' immediately set the tone for the rest of the night, the bass and drums locking into a groove allowing Mick Cauldwell on guitar the freedom to introduce playful and melodic licks, underpinned by keyboards, allowing singer Stephen Marvello the chance to shine.

Marvello dominated the stage, a natural showman and a brilliant singer. The next three songs could easily be singles. The bouncy Blur-esque 'Easy Boys & Easy Girls' is surely a Skins soundtrack in the making, 'Who Needs Somebody' is full of sixties style harmonies and melodies, while 'Whispering Song' is absolutely beautiful, the opening guitar riff is enough to move you to tears. There were moments during 'Whispering Song' when the crowd seemed visibly moved at how good a band Sonny Marvello is.

'Love Ain't Sweet' was another highlight, in truth there were no lowlights! 'Pack Up' was another tune that highlighted the bands ear for melodies and harmonies, playful in all the right ways.

The band were clearly enjoying themselves on stage, resplendent in vintage clothing, with the singer sporting his trademark red bowler hat.

The 12 song set is an album in the waiting. It is surely only a matter of time before a record company take a chance on Sonny Mavello. Any newcomers to the band must have been impressed at the next trio of songs; 'Forgiven' is a stunning balad that Coldplay would dream of writing, taken to a higher level towards the end. 'We're All Cruel' was the highlight of the night for many in the crowd, the song closing with all of the band singing the lines; "I don't know, why you're calling me so cruel, the futures full of chemicals, bricks and bombs, oh can't you see, we're still waiting."

Photo © Dave Taylor

'My Lover' is another Blur-esque single in the making, playful, tuneful and poppy. While the closing tune 'Wherever You Go There Is Love' sounds like a long lost gem from McCartney around the time of the White Album.

This is a and set to win hearts and embrace souls. Sonny Marvello are on a mission to entertain and lift spirits. Keep an eye on them.

www.myspace.com/sonnymarvello

Dave Taylor